It’s a golden era for LGBT cinema in Hollywood. Films like “Moonlight” have brought much-needed representation to the big screen while delivering staggering cinematic experiences. But with LGBT cinema flourishing, which movies are most beloved for the light they shine on lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans experiences? We brought to you 6 LGBT movies which you cannot afford to miss.

It’s a golden era for LGBT cinema in Hollywood. Films like “Moonlight” have brought much-needed representation to the big screen while delivering staggering cinematic experiences. But with LGBT cinema flourishing, which movies are most beloved for the light they shine on lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans experiences? We brought to you 6 LGBT movies which you cannot afford to miss.

Moonlight (2016)

Image courtesy – indianexpress.com

Academy Award for Best Picture in 2017 was earned by a film depicting the story of a poor, gay, black boy in South Florida. Moonlight, by director Barry Jenkins, has achieved great recognition for its beautiful and honest depiction of a storyline which challenges itself at every turn.

Moonlight depicts a journey of self-discovery and a queer love story which actually feels probable and tangible. “Moonlight” takes homosexuality and makes it relatable to any person, regardless of their sexual preference. The movie depicts a person that is not just a person that is “finding himself,” but is also dealing with struggles that anybody, whether straight or gay, goes through.

Blue Is the Warmest Colour (2013)

Image courtesy – streamondemandathome.com

Perhaps one of the most famous films on this list, due to the controversy caused by its long running time and graphic lesbian love scenes. The film subverts this controversy by providing an insightful and beautiful tale of Adele, a fifteen-year-old girl, who experiences her identity as a female sexual being.

The leading actresses Adele Exarchopoulos and Lea Seydoux bring realism and authenticity to the film, which can often be lacking in Hollywood films about homosexual relationships. The camerawork, in addition to the cast, echoes the realism and personal feeling that just emanates off the screen.

The film was praised, but also attracted controversy for its direction, acting, and realistic nature of the women’s relationship. It received a standing ovation at many film festivals and ranked high on many critics’ lists at the end of the year.

Far From Heaven (2002)

Image courtesy – dvd.net.au

Todd Haynes was already one of America’s greatest queer filmmakers when he made this movie on Douglas Sirk melodramas, with Julianne Moore and Dennis Quaid as a suburban middle-class family in the 1950s coming to grips with Quaid’s closeted sexuality and the way it bears down on the family’s future. The movie accurately reflects the values of the 1950s, and you can see that in a scene where Frank (Dennis Quaid) says his homosexuality makes him feel “despicable” but he’s “going to lick this problem.”

Geography Club (2013)

Image courtesy – amazon.com

This indie dramedy (drama-comedy) based on Brent Hartinger’s novel of the same name tells the story of Russell Middlebrook, who is still dating girls while having a secret relationship with the high school quarterback, who doesn’t want his teammates to find out the secret about his sexuality.

Though somewhat cliched, the film still has a feeling that many who are in the closet feel about their peer groups. Russell and Kevin explore their feelings alongside new friends Min and Therese, who are the secret lesbian couple.

The film has won considerable praises. Entertainment Tonight called the film the most culturally significant movie of the year 2013.

Carol (2015)

Image courtesy – vintagemovieposters.co.uk

The forbidden love story at the heart of 2015 drama, Carol is as enticing as they come and it’s not surprising that the film was voted the number one LGBT film of all time at the BFI Flare festival a few years ago. Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara both shine in the period drama, which shines a light on attitudes towards gay relationships in 1950s New York.

It got six Oscar nominations and nine Bafta nominations, although it came home empty-handed from both award ceremonies.

Weekend (2011)

Andrew Haigh had his breakthrough with this intimate debut, one that still serves as a quintessential depiction of modern gay dating. From the main characters’ meet at a club to the revealing but realistic conversations that unfold over the next 48 hours, the film’s strength is in its keenly-observed details, painting a naturalistic portrait of what it’s like to fall in love today, gay or not. What starts as a fling escalates into something much more meaningful as they fall for each other in the most inconvenient of circumstances. That authenticity is what makes watching Weekend feel so invasive yet intensely relatable all at once, especially as it moves on to the bittersweet finale.